Are drinking hyaluronic acid supplements effective? A thorough explanation of the benefits of hyaluronic acid and the supplements to take.

Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that has attracted the attention of many people interested in beauty and health. It is essential for maintaining skin moisture and elasticity, and an increasing number of people are taking supplements or undergoing cosmetic treatments in anticipation of its benefits.

But are hyaluronic acid supplements that are taken really effective? And what are the benefits and risks associated with hyaluronic acid injections as a cosmetic treatment? Here, we will explain in detail how hyaluronic acid works in the body, as well as the effects and precautions of supplements and cosmetic medicine. Take an approach from the inside and outside to achieve youthful beauty.

 

What is Hyaluronic Acid? Functions in the Body and Beauty Benefits

Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that anyone interested in beauty and health has probably heard of at least once. It is attracting attention for its wide-ranging effects, including skin moisturizing and joint care.

However, its specific functions and roles in the body are often surprisingly unknown. Here, we will explain in detail the basics of hyaluronic acid and its beauty benefits.

What is the role of hyaluronic acid? The Key to Skin Moisture Retention and Elasticity

Hyaluronic acid is a type of mucopolysaccharide that exists widely in living organisms. Hyaluronic acid is particularly noted for its outstanding water-holding capacity; one gram of hyaluronic acid is said to be able to hold approximately 6 liters of water. This remarkable water-holding capacity makes hyaluronic acid an essential ingredient in maintaining skin moisture and elasticity.

In the structure of the skin, hyaluronic acid is abundant in the dermis layer and forms the extracellular matrix with collagen and elastin. These components work in concert to maintain the elasticity and flexibility of the skin and keep it fresh. Hyaluronic acid also exists to fill the gaps between cells and serves as a barrier to prevent external stimuli and foreign substances from entering the skin.

In addition, hyaluronic acid is also a major component of joint fluid and serves as a lubricant for joints. It supports smooth joint movement by smoothing the surface of joint cartilage and reducing friction. Thus, hyaluronic acid plays an important role not only in the skin, but also in tissues and organs throughout the body.

Mechanism of Hyaluronic Acid Decrease with Aging

The amount of hyaluronic acid in the body naturally decreases with age. This phenomenon is mainly due to a decline in metabolism and a decrease in the activity of hyaluronic acid-synthesizing enzymes in the body. the ability to produce hyaluronic acid gradually declines after peaking in the 20s, reaching approximately 50% at its peak in the 40s and 25% in the 60s.

As hyaluronic acid decreases, the skin's ability to retain moisture decreases, and aging phenomena such as dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, and sagging become more pronounced. In addition, as the amount of hyaluronic acid in joints decreases, the viscosity of joint fluid decreases, causing joint wear and pain. Thus, the decrease in hyaluronic acid has a significant impact on health as well as beauty.

One mechanism by which the amount of hyaluronic acid in the body decreases is the activation of hyaluronan-degrading enzyme (hyaluronidase). This enzyme degrades hyaluronic acid, and its activation is known to be accelerated by lifestyle factors such as stress, UV rays, and smoking. This can accelerate skin aging and affect the apparent age of the skin.

Importance of Hyaluronic Acid in Beauty and Health

Hyaluronic acid is extremely important for both beauty and health due to its excellent water retention and biocompatibility.

From a cosmetic standpoint, hyaluronic acid contributes to the prevention of dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, and sagging by maintaining skin moisture and elasticity. Hyaluronic acid is also involved in the skin regeneration process and has been reported to promote wound healing. In addition, hyaluronic acid supports the function of collagen and elastin, and can be expected to improve skin elasticity and flexibility.

From a health perspective, hyaluronic acid supports smooth movement of joints as a major component of joint fluid. In particular, in joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, a decrease in hyaluronic acid is thought to play a role in the progression of symptoms. Hyaluronic acid is also present in the vitreous body of the eye, blood vessel walls, and connective tissue of organs, and plays an important role in maintaining systemic function.

Thus, hyaluronic acid is essential for both beauty and health, and it is desirable to maintain sufficient amounts in the body. The use of hyaluronic acid supplements is an effective way to compensate for the decrease in the amount of hyaluronic acid in the body due to aging and to support beauty and health from the inside.

 

Are the effects of drinking hyaluronic acid supplements really effective?

Hyaluronic acid supplements are widely used as a way to support skin hydration and joint health from the inside out. However, experts are divided in their opinions regarding its effectiveness and mechanism of action, and the scientific basis has not yet been fully established. Here, we provide a detailed explanation of the effects of drinking hyaluronic acid supplements, including the latest research and expert opinions on their effectiveness.

Absorption rate of hyaluronic acid supplements and its limitations

Hyaluronic acid is a high molecular weight (hundreds of thousands to millions of Daltons) mucopolysaccharide characterized by its high water-holding capacity. However, when taken orally, its high molecular weight structure makes it difficult to be absorbed from the digestive tract. Specifically, the following issues are to be addressed

• Breakdown in the digestive process: Hyaluronic acid is broken down into low-molecular-weight oligosaccharides and amino acids by digestive enzymes (such as hyaluronidase) in the stomach and small intestine. For this reason, it is difficult for the body to absorb ingested hyaluronic acid in its original form.
• Limitations of absorption: It is not clear to what extent the degraded components are absorbed by the body and exert their physiological effects. In particular, in its macromolecular form, it is difficult to be absorbed, and its effectiveness in the body is questionable.

Some supplement products use "low molecular weight hyaluronic acid," which is hyaluronic acid with a reduced molecular weight. This is an attempt to increase absorbability by reducing the molecular weight. However, it has been pointed out that low molecular weight may impair the original water retention and functionality of hyaluronic acid. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the efficacy of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid.

Does drinking hyaluronic acid reach the skin directly?

It is not expected that orally ingested hyaluronic acid will enter the bloodstream in its original form and reach tissues such as skin and joints. This is because hyaluronic acid is a high molecular weight and is difficult to absorb through the digestive tract. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid cannot pass through the digestive tract wall, so it is not taken into the body as it is. In addition, substances with large molecular weight are difficult to penetrate biological membranes.

It is possible that degraded hyaluronic acid components (e.g., N-acetylglucosamine and glucuronic acid) can be used by the body to synthesize hyaluronic acid again. However, there is a lack of clear scientific data on their efficiency and the extent to which they actually contribute.

Some studies suggest that the breakdown products of hyaluronic acid may stimulate fibroblasts to promote hyaluronic acid and collagen synthesis, but these mechanisms are still hypothetical and there is insufficient evidence to show actual in vivo effects.

Consideration of cosmetic effects based on scientific data

Although some clinical trials have reported cosmetic benefits of drinking hyaluronic acid supplements, most are small in size and limited in study design.

• Study Example 1: A study reported that subjects who took 120 mg of hyaluronic acid per day for 12 weeks showed improvement in skin dryness and fine lines and wrinkles. However, this study has some problems, such as the small number of subjects and the lack of a placebo control group.
• Study Example 2: In another small study, hyaluronic acid supplements reduced joint pain, but again, the long-term effects and safety are unknown.

The following hypotheses have been proposed regarding the cosmetic effects of hyaluronic acid supplements.

• Effect on extracellular matrix: degradation products of hyaluronic acid may stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: hyaluronic acid may inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines and reduce skin inflammation.

However, these mechanisms are mainly studied in animal experiments and in vitro (in vitro), and do not directly show effects in humans.

Expert Opinions and Expectations of Effectiveness

Many cosmetic dermatologists and specialists are cautious about the effectiveness of taking hyaluronic acid supplements. Many believe that hyaluronic acid taken orally is unlikely to directly increase the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin. This is because, as mentioned above, hyaluronic acid is a high molecular weight and is not easily digested or absorbed, leading some to question its effectiveness in the body.

On the other hand, some experts suggest that hyaluronic acid supplements may provide indirect cosmetic benefits. It is believed that the breakdown products of hyaluronic acid, amino acids and sugars, may support hyaluronic acid synthesis in the body. However, this is an effect that can be expected with other protein sources as well, and is not unique to hyaluronic acid supplements in particular. In addition, the possibility that the relief and placebo effect of supplementation may have a positive effect on beauty and health cannot be ruled out.

Overall, at this time, there is not enough solid scientific evidence for the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid supplements. Therefore, excessive expectations should be avoided and supplements should be considered only as a supplemental measure.

When using supplements, it is important to check their safety and quality. First, choose a product from a reputable manufacturer and carefully check the ingredient label and content. In particular, if the raw material of hyaluronic acid is of animal origin, there is a possible risk of allergy, so people with allergies should be careful. In addition, people with pre-existing medical conditions or those who are pregnant or nursing should consult a doctor or pharmacist before considering taking the product.

Furthermore, it is important to take comprehensive beauty and health measures in addition to relying on hyaluronic acid supplements. Make sure to eat a well-balanced diet and consume nutrients necessary for skin health, such as vitamin C, amino acids, and minerals. Adequate exercise will promote blood circulation, increase metabolism, and support skin regeneration.

In addition, it is important to protect the skin by taking thorough skin care measures such as external moisturizing and UV protection. Don't forget to improve your lifestyle habits as well, and by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including adequate sleep, reducing stress, and quitting smoking, you can improve your overall beauty and health.

 

Are popular drinkable collagen supplements effective?

Collagen supplements are widely advertised as being effective in preventing the aging of skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints. However, some people argue that there is insufficient scientific evidence for their effectiveness. Here, we explain the effects of collagen supplements taken as well as hyaluronic acid supplements.

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals, accounting for about 30% of all proteins in the body. Its structure consists of three polypeptide chains (alpha chains) forming a right-handed triple helical structure, and this strong structure supports the strength and elasticity of tissues. To date, more than 28 different types of collagen have been identified, of which type I collagen accounts for 90% of the total and is abundant in skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Other types of collagen include type II collagen, which is found in cartilage tissue, and type III collagen, which is found in the walls of blood vessels and internal organs.

Collagen is synthesized primarily by connective tissue cells called fibroblasts. The synthesis process involves enzymes such as prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase and requires vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as a cofactor. Vitamin C is essential for collagen stabilization, and its deficiency causes symptoms such as scurvy.

Age-related collagen loss

With aging, the body's ability to synthesize collagen declines, and existing collagen also deteriorates due to glycation and oxidative stress. In particular, photoaging caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays destroys collagen fibers in the dermis layer, causing wrinkles and sagging. Smoking and high-sugar diets also accelerate collagen glycation (AGEs formation) and accelerate skin aging.

Collagen loss leads not only to skin, but also to reduced bone density and cartilage loss in the joints. This increases the risk of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Collagen loss in blood vessel walls also contributes to cardiovascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis and stroke.

Effectiveness and Scientific Basis of Collagen Supplements

Collagen ingested orally is broken down into amino acids and low molecular weight peptides by digestive enzymes (pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, etc.) in the stomach and small intestine. Therefore, ingested collagen is not utilized as collagen in the body in its original form.

Some clinical studies suggest that collagen supplementation may improve skin hydration and elasticity; a 2021 review article in the International Journal of Dermatology analyzed 19 studies involving 1125 subjects and found that oral collagen supplementation reported that oral collagen supplementation may improve signs of skin aging. However, the review also noted variability among studies and methodological limitations.

A randomized controlled trial in 2020 showed that collagen peptide intake may contribute to joint pain reduction, but the sample size was small and the long-term effects are unknown.

There are several limitations to these studies and caution should be exercised when interpreting their results. First, many supplement products contain active ingredients other than collagen, such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and zinc, making it difficult to clearly distinguish whether the observed effects are due to these ingredients or to synergistic effects.

Study design issues have also been noted. Rigorous methodologies such as placebo-controlled or double-blind studies may be lacking, raising questions about the reliability and reproducibility of results. In addition, some studies are funded by supplement manufacturers, and the possibility of bias due to conflicts of interest cannot be ruled out. The combination of these factors may limit the scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of collagen supplements.

Views and considerations of experts in various fields

First, many dermatologists are skeptical about the effectiveness of oral collagen supplements. Since orally ingested collagen is broken down into amino acids during the digestive process, it is unlikely to directly increase the amount of collagen in the skin. In other words, there is little scientific support for the idea that ingested collagen directly leads to skin rejuvenation.

Furthermore, while it is possible that the amino acids obtained from collagen intake may indirectly support collagen synthesis in the body, this is an effect that can be expected with other protein sources as well. Therefore, the necessity of taking collagen supplements specifically is questionable.

On the other hand, from a nutritional perspective, dietitians and researchers are divided on the effectiveness of collagen supplements. Some argue that collagen is not highly nutritious because of its high content of nonessential amino acids, making it an inefficient source of protein supplementation. There is also a lack of clear scientific evidence at this time as to the extent to which hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, amino acids unique to collagen, are beneficial in the body.

Thus, experts are not unanimous in their assessment of the effectiveness of collagen supplements, and further research is needed. Rather than relying solely on collagen intake, a well-balanced diet and proper lifestyle habits will help maintain overall beauty and health.

 

Hyaluronic acid injections in cosmetic medicine make you look younger!

Hyaluronic acid is widely used as a cosmetic treatment to restore skin moisture and elasticity. In particular, hyaluronic acid injections are gaining popularity as a quick and easy way to achieve a youthful appearance. Here, we will explain in detail the benefits, side effects, and risks of hyaluronic acid injections.

What are the advantages of hyaluronic acid injections? Immediate effect and ideal results

Hyaluronic acid injections are a procedure in which hyaluronic acid is injected directly into the area of concern, instantly increasing volume and improving wrinkles. The effects can be felt immediately after injection, making it ideal for those seeking immediate results.

Specifically, it can plump out the lines and wrinkles around the eyes, leading to a more youthful expression. It can also be expected to have a lifting effect by toning the cheeks and jawline and tightening the face line. Furthermore, it is possible to design the ideal shape by adding volume to the lips, nose, and other parts of the face.

Maintains natural beauty with ongoing effects

Because hyaluronic acid is gradually absorbed by the body, the effect lasts from six months to a year. With regular treatments, it is possible to maintain a natural beauty for a long period of time.

Hyaluronic acid blends easily with one's own skin and has a natural finish that does not give an unnatural impression. In addition, the amount of hyaluronic acid injected can be adjusted according to the desired area and effect, allowing you to pursue your own unique beauty. Furthermore, the procedure takes only a short time and there is little downtime, so even busy people can quickly return to their daily lives, which is a great advantage.

Side Effects and Risks of Hyaluronic Acid Injection

Although hyaluronic acid injections are considered a relatively safe procedure, temporary side effects may occur. For example, mild swelling and redness may occur at the injection site, which usually subsides in a few days. In addition, irritation from the needle may cause internal bleeding, which can be concealed with makeup and will gradually disappear. Mild pain or discomfort may be felt after the procedure, but this is also temporary.

In addition, allergic reactions to hyaluronic acid may occur in very rare cases, and it is important to confirm this during prior counseling. In addition, if injected into a blood vessel by mistake, blood flow may be obstructed, causing tissue necrosis and other serious complications. Furthermore, inadequate hygiene increases the risk of infection. Therefore, it is essential to choose a reliable clinic.

To ensure the safety of hyaluronic acid injections, it is important to choose an experienced physician. A knowledgeable and highly skilled physician will ensure safety and effectiveness of the procedure. Also, discuss your history of allergies, pre-existing medical conditions, and desired results in advance of the consultation. It is also important to confirm that the clinic provides adequate support in terms of post-procedure care and contingency plans.

 

summary

Hyaluronic acid is an important component for maintaining skin moisture and elasticity, and its decrease with age affects beauty and health. Although there is not yet sufficient clear scientific evidence regarding the absorption rate and effectiveness of drinking hyaluronic acid supplements, it may be possible to expect indirect effects.

On the other hand, hyaluronic acid injections as a cosmetic treatment are highly effective immediately and can achieve ideal results, but side effects and risks also exist, so it is important to choose a doctor and clinic that you can trust. Ultimately, it is important to combine a well-balanced diet, improved lifestyle, and appropriate skin care for comprehensive beauty and health support. Take the approach that is right for you and achieve youthfulness from the inside and out.

At Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic, based on our many years of experience in cosmetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology and the knowledge of our doctoral degree, we provide counseling that aims to be "only one", offering the best treatment for each person we meet. We offer only the necessary treatments without any unnecessary information or suggestions.

Feel free to use our official LINE account for 24-hour counseling and reservations. Please feel free to contact us for free counseling for the first time or if you have any concerns.